15 Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, DE

Blue Moon is the longest surviving gay bar in Rehoboth Beach, operating since 1981 as a drag dinner theater with fine dining. The venue serves a mix of American, Asian, French, and seafood cuisines, plus a popular Sunday brunch. Its Yelp rating sits at 4 out of 5 stars from 389 reviews, with confirmed amenities including a full bar, happy hour specials, outdoor seating, and reservations accepted. However, one reviewer reported a disturbing incident involving an intoxicated owner who allegedly discriminated against a disabled HIV-positive patron with a service dog, calling into question the venue's inclusivity despite its LGBTQ+ history. The weekend brunch draws a crowd of 40-somethings, and Friday and Saturday nights feature drag shows late into the evening. The space can feel cramped during peak hours, so arrive early if you want a seat. For a casual seafood dinner nearby, try Go Fish! three blocks south. Regulars recommend Tuesdays or Fridays for the best energy.

Aqua Grill's dance floor may be compact, but the energy is big. This Rehoboth Beach spot has been serving affordable handcrafted food and strong drinks since 2005. The crowd leans gay and mixed, with plenty of 20-something and 30-something faces. You'll find a full bar, outdoor seating, and live entertainment most nights. Staff are friendly and bartenders are handsome, according to regulars. Brunch is popular on weekends, and late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays keep the party going. It's casual, laid back, and always feels like a party even without scheduled events. Check hours and reviews.

Dos Locos isn't just another tex-mex spot. It's a gay-owned restaurant that's been serving Rehoboth Beach since 2001. Owners Darryl Ciarlante and Joe Zuber run a place where crab shows up on everything, from enchiladas to burritos. The vibe is casual and friendly, with many regulars you'll see year after year. You can sit outside, grab a frozen margarita during happy hour, and enjoy seafood nachos or a crab quesadilla. The full bar means you don't have to choose between food and drinks. Check hours before you go, as they vary slightly on weekends. For a different experience, try the second location on John J Williams Highway.

One reviewer calls the food 'out of this world' and the prices 'very inexpensive' at Rigby's Bar and Grill. This gay-owned spot on Rehoboth Beach is a contemporary American bistro with a farm-to-table twist. Owners John Black and John Glenstrup opened it in 2009, aiming for a welcoming vibe that draws both locals and visitors. The crowd is a genuine mix of ages and genders. You'll find a full bar, happy hour specials, and a beautiful garden patio where dogs are welcome. The dining room is casual and comfortable, with live entertainment adding to the relaxed mood. Reservations are available, and free WiFi makes it easy to stay connected. Friday nights tend to be the busiest. If you're out exploring, you can also check out Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats nearby for a different vibe. Rigby's hits that sweet spot between a local hangout and a bistro that takes its food seriously.

A first date spot since 1981? That's the kind of longevity Back Porch Cafe has earned. For over 49 years, this independent spot in a former Victorian guest house has served creative global fusion dishes and its famous House Coffee Flamed Tableside. The menu draws from Mediterranean and new American influences, with options like domestic lamb and dayboat halibut. It's fine dining that doesn't feel stuffy, partly thanks to the relaxed outdoor deck and full bar. Reservations are accepted, and the place is dog friendly. Weekends open for lunch at 11am; weekdays start at 5pm. Closed Wednesdays. If you're exploring nearby, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats offers a different vibe just down the road.

“The quintessential spot to celebrate the start of summer,” Obie’s by the Sea has been a Rehoboth Beach boardwalk staple since 1973. This casual spot serves burgers, sandwiches, and beach classics like crab grilled cheese and crispy oyster tacos. The full bar keeps flowing with tequila crushes, frozen daiquiris, and draft beers. It's dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio for dune and ocean views. Hours run until 11 pm most nights, but Friday and Saturday extend to 1 am. If you're staying on the sand, order carry-out from your phone for quick pickup at the boardwalk window.

Baltimore Avenue is home to Eden Restaurant, a Rehoboth Beach staple for bold American regional cuisine. This LGBTQ-owned spot blends romantic ambience with an extensive wine and martini list. It's big city-style fine dining without leaving the beach. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends. Eden has been recognized by Wine Spectator for its impressive wine list and offers a monthly wine dinner series. The off-season Wednesday prix fixe menu is a local favorite. It's open year-round, so you can visit any time.

The Cultured Pearl stands out in Rehoboth Beach as an original owner-operated sushi bar since 1993, long before the town's dining scene exploded. It's housed in a converted hardware store with a 15,000-gallon rooftop koi pond and lake, offering views from the second floor. Sushi is the focus, but the kitchen also turns out teriyaki, tempura, Thai dishes, and American classics. The sushi bar lets you watch master chefs at work. The full bar runs happy hour and pours creative cocktails alongside a solid sake and beer list. Outdoor seating and free WiFi make it easy to linger. It's on the pricier side, but the quality justifies the cost. If you're near downtown, you could also check out Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats for a different vibe.

Tom the manager makes everyone feel welcome at The Point Coffee House & Bake Shoppe, a cafe known for its house-roasted coffee and homemade pastries, jelly donuts, pies, and cakes. Yelp reviews praise the chicken salad and sticky buns, and the pet-friendly outdoor seating is a plus for those cruising Coastal Hwy. It's open daily from 7am to 2pm, serving brunch and lunch. The vibe is relaxed, with free wifi and a focus on quality baked goods. Plan your visit early, as they close at 2pm each day. The patio is dog friendly, so you can bring your pup along. Just note that it may be permanently closed, so check before heading out.

You'll notice the lively hum of conversation and the aroma of wood-fired pizzas right away. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is a brewpub and distillery that opened in 1995 as Delaware's first brewpub. They brew 24 beers on site, with rotating Brewpub Exclusive offerings. The kitchen specializes in wood-grilled food and pizza. They also distill their own spirits like Analog Vodka and Compelling Gin. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. You can bring your dog to the outdoor seating. It's a solid choice for a relaxed meal or drink. If you're up for more, Fins Fish House & Raw Bar is nearby for seafood.

One reviewer calls it 'absolutely the best Fish and Chips on the beach!' That's a common sentiment for this British-born owner's spot, which started as a takeout in 2002 and grew into a 40-seat restaurant. Alison Blyth brings authentic flavors from her home country: beer-battered fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, and mushy peas. The Sticky Toffee Pudding even got a shoutout from Hoda Kotb on the Today Show. The place is casual and dog-friendly, with outdoor seating and a full bar pouring British beer. It's open year-round, seven days a week, making it a reliable stop any time. The crowd skews local and in-the-know, many of whom agree with British regulars that it's 'better than back home!'

Fins Fish House & Raw Bar has been voted Delaware Today Readers Choice for Best Downstate Raw Bar five years running. This family-owned spot, open since 2005, focuses on fresh seafood and oysters alongside a curated selection of craft beer. Their famous happy hour runs Monday through Thursday 4-6, and Friday and Sunday 11:30-6, with $1 oysters and drink specials. It's casual and welcoming, with outdoor seating and a full bar. The crowd here is a mix of locals and vacationers, drawn to the relaxed vibe and reliable quality. If you're exploring Rehoboth's dining scene, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is another nearby stop worth checking out. Fins is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly for that oyster fix.

Yelp reviewers give Cilantro Cocina de Mexico a solid 3.5 stars across 333 reviews, noting its authentic Mexican cuisine and friendly service. This Rehoboth Beach spot is casual and welcoming, with a full bar and happy hour specials drawing a mixed crowd. You'll find outdoor seating for warmer days, and it's a reliable choice for lunch or dinner daily. The restaurant takes reservations, which is handy on busy summer weekends. Most nights it's open until 9pm, but Sundays close an hour earlier at 8pm. If you're craving something different afterward, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is a nearby alternative worth checking out.

Louie's Pizza isn't a chain or a tourist trap. It's a Greek-American family spot that's been serving pizza and oven-baked cheese fries from 11 Rehoboth Ave since 1974. Founder Lazaros "Louie" Gouvas, who immigrated from Macedonia, learned pizza making on the job. Today, his sons and grandchildren run the place, keeping the same recipes. You'll find a casual, no-frills atmosphere where locals actually eat. The menu covers pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Hours are consistent: 11am to 8pm daily. If you're near the N Boardwalk and want a quick bite without a scene, this is it.

Port 251 draws a mixed gay and straight crowd, especially for its Sunday drag brunch. This LGBTQ-owned spot brings together American comfort food with a playful, energetic vibe and outdoor seating. You can also enjoy happy hour and live entertainment. The full bar keeps things flowing, and there's a dog menu if you bring your pup. Note that Yelp lists the venue as potentially permanently closed, so check current status before heading over.